President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Victory Park and participated in the memorial ceremony on May 9 – Day of Remembrance and Honor.
In accordance with the tradition established in recent years, the head of state laid a wreath at the base of the "Matonat" monument and got acquainted with the "Light of Memory" composition.
Documents indicate that nearly 2 million of Uzbekistan's population, which was about 6 million 800 thousand at that time, participated in the bloody battles against fascism. Of these, nearly 540 thousand perished, 158 thousand went missing, more than 50 thousand died due to unprecedented torture and suffering in concentration camps, and over 60 thousand returned disabled.
About 214 thousand Uzbek soldiers and officers were awarded combat orders and medals, which is a testament to their bravery.
During the war years, the country became a strong supply base for the front, providing a large amount of military equipment, weapons, clothing, and food to the battlefields. Despite extremely difficult conditions, the people of Uzbekistan showed compassion by taking in nearly 1 million 500 thousand people evacuated from war zones, including 250 thousand orphaned children who lost their parents.
“These are true chronicles of courage and heroism. We should be proud of our resilient people who contributed to such a complex and glorious victory. We must never forget these heroics and pass them on to our youth. Especially in today's perilous times, this is of utmost importance. We all must be ready to defend our homeland every day,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
According to the President's decree dated February 19, the 80th anniversary of the victory in World War II and the Day of Remembrance and Honor are being celebrated appropriately. The memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the peace of today's generations and the stability of the country is being honored. At the same time, respect is being shown to the labor veterans and elderly who are still alive.
The event was attended by representatives of the Armed Forces of Uzbekistan, state and public organizations, community activists, and veterans, who laid flowers at the monument.
The head of state also inspected the "Light of Memory" composition installed in the park. It is dedicated to the memory of Uzbek heroes who fought in World War II and worked behind the front lines. The monument is in the shape of two flying birds, symbolizing the continuity between the older and younger generations.
The work embodies historical heritage and modern art. It has a QR code installed, allowing visitors to read about the complex and the war heroes, and download the "Light of Memory" book.
Photo: Presidential press service
